Kind of blue: the striking lobby of the Eliza Jane Hotel
Eliza Jane Hotel, New Orleans
When I first stayed at this hotel in 2018, it had barely opened, scurrying workers frantically adding the finishing touches to corners of the interior masonry. I was interested to come back and see how the place had evolved, now one of the more established hotels in the ever-expanding boutique portfolio of the CBD.
The hotel is a cohesive fusion of 19th century warehouses, and is named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, who was the first woman in the country to publish a major newspaper - the Daily Picayune. The paper's headquarters were here, the buildings also housing a bitters factory, these histories both celebrated through ambient design touches throughout the property.
‘Industrial romantic’ is a much-touted phrase these days, but it’s a fitting one to describe the hotel’s exterior. The lobby is subtly whimsical, with its European floor tiling and reception desks made from salvaged index card cabinets, distinct Royal Blues making a colorful impression. The space beyond is much easier to appreciate without the building work going on, and looking up you’ll see exposed beams framing a strikingly spacious bar and lounge area that has the feeling of an urban atrium.
The curated vintage (hand picked from local antique stores) and industrial elements of the interior design spill over into the rooms, the entry-level King View with pleasing exposed brick walls. There’s a mid-century-modern desk and replica period artwork, the arched windows stretching from floor to ceiling, making for a light-filled space. The marble and tile bathrooms have charming brass fittings, and ink-colored headboards pay homage to those early days of print.
The Eliza Jane has over 50 suites, and I was lucky enough to stay in the 700sqft Editor’s Suite. As well as the brick walls and walnut accents common to all of the guest rooms, there’s a living space with a sofa and perhaps the winning amenity of an oversized, standalone bathtub. It’s set in its own tiled wet room that also has a double shower, so your ablution options are about as good as they get.
The bar (The Press Room) and restaurant (Couvant) should both be on your radar. Michael Glassberg brings his deft touch to the cocktail program with a sense of humor as dry as the martinis. Couvant (full review forthcoming) - located in the former Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory - has evolved beyond its orthodox French opening menu to a more inclusive affair that nevertheless still pays homage to brasserie classics.
If you want to wander outside with your cocktail, there’s a quadrant of intimate courtyards and an Instagram-friendly water feature. If it’s brutally humid or there’s a cold snap, there are a couple of cozy lounges to, er, lounge in, replete with sofas and workspaces. A sizable exercise room and meeting/event space round off the amenities.
Overall, the hotel (which remains part of the Hyatt brand’s Unbound Collection) has matured impressively, and with newish GM Michal Klein arriving to inject new ideas into the property, there’s likely even more developments to look out for. (PO)
Eliza Jane Hotel New Orleans website
When I first stayed at this hotel in 2018, it had barely opened, scurrying workers frantically adding the finishing touches to corners of the interior masonry. I was interested to come back and see how the place had evolved, now one of the more established hotels in the ever-expanding boutique portfolio of the CBD.
The hotel is a cohesive fusion of 19th century warehouses, and is named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, who was the first woman in the country to publish a major newspaper - the Daily Picayune. The paper's headquarters were here, the buildings also housing a bitters factory, these histories both celebrated through ambient design touches throughout the property.
‘Industrial romantic’ is a much-touted phrase these days, but it’s a fitting one to describe the hotel’s exterior. The lobby is subtly whimsical, with its European floor tiling and reception desks made from salvaged index card cabinets, distinct Royal Blues making a colorful impression. The space beyond is much easier to appreciate without the building work going on, and looking up you’ll see exposed beams framing a strikingly spacious bar and lounge area that has the feeling of an urban atrium.
The curated vintage (hand picked from local antique stores) and industrial elements of the interior design spill over into the rooms, the entry-level King View with pleasing exposed brick walls. There’s a mid-century-modern desk and replica period artwork, the arched windows stretching from floor to ceiling, making for a light-filled space. The marble and tile bathrooms have charming brass fittings, and ink-colored headboards pay homage to those early days of print.
The Eliza Jane has over 50 suites, and I was lucky enough to stay in the 700sqft Editor’s Suite. As well as the brick walls and walnut accents common to all of the guest rooms, there’s a living space with a sofa and perhaps the winning amenity of an oversized, standalone bathtub. It’s set in its own tiled wet room that also has a double shower, so your ablution options are about as good as they get.
The bar (The Press Room) and restaurant (Couvant) should both be on your radar. Michael Glassberg brings his deft touch to the cocktail program with a sense of humor as dry as the martinis. Couvant (full review forthcoming) - located in the former Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory - has evolved beyond its orthodox French opening menu to a more inclusive affair that nevertheless still pays homage to brasserie classics.
If you want to wander outside with your cocktail, there’s a quadrant of intimate courtyards and an Instagram-friendly water feature. If it’s brutally humid or there’s a cold snap, there are a couple of cozy lounges to, er, lounge in, replete with sofas and workspaces. A sizable exercise room and meeting/event space round off the amenities.
Overall, the hotel (which remains part of the Hyatt brand’s Unbound Collection) has matured impressively, and with newish GM Michal Klein arriving to inject new ideas into the property, there’s likely even more developments to look out for. (PO)
Eliza Jane Hotel New Orleans website